Yeast Infections
Yeast Infections
Persons with insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes of all types may be especially prone to yeast infections. Yeast can infect various parts of the body in children and adults; men and women including the skin, groin areas, and vagina.
Yeast infections are more likely to be a problem when blood glucose is high, or with a diet high in carbohydrates.
You cannot diagnose yeast infections yourself. If you suspect a yeast infection, you may try over-the-counter medications approved for the type of yeast infection you suspect (i.e. Monostat for vaginal yeast infection) if the symptoms are not severe. However, for severe or chronic symptoms always see your doctor because over-the-counter medications only work on certain types of common yeast.
Persons with insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes of all types may be especially prone to yeast infections. Yeast can infect various parts of the body in children and adults; men and women.
What is a Yeast Infection?
Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a fungal infection of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is probably the most common. Yeast organisms are always present in all people, but are usually prevented from "overgrowth" (uncontrolled multiplication resulting in symptoms) by naturally occurring microorganisms.
In healthy persons without autoimmune problems, candidiasis can usually only be found in exposed and moist parts of the body, such as the oral cavity (oral thrush), the vagina (vaginal candidiasis or thrush), or folds of skin in the diaper area (diaper rash). Candidiasis is the most common cause of vaginal irritation or vaginitis. Candidiasis can also occur on the male genitals, particularly in uncircumcised men.
At least three quarters of all women will experience candidiasis at some point in their lives. The Candida albicans organism is found in the vaginas of almost all women and normally causes no problems. However, when it gets out of balance with the other "normal flora," such as lactobacilli (which can also be harmed by using douches), an overgrowth and symptoms can result. Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and some antibiotics, and diabetes mellitus increase the risk of infection.
The most common symptoms are itching and irritation of the vagina and/or vulva. A whitish or whitish-gray discharge may be present, sometimes resembling cottage cheese, and may have a "yeasty" smell like beer or baking bread.
In immunocompromised patients, the Candida infection can become systemic, causing a much more serious condition, fungemia.
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Diagnosis
You cannot diagnose yeast infections yourself. If you suspect a yeast infection, you may try over-the-counter medications approved for the type of yeast infection you suspect (i.e. Monostat for vaginal yeast infection) if the symptoms are not severe. However, for severe or chronic symptoms always see your doctor because over-the-counter medications only work on certain types of common yeast.
A scraping or swab of the affected area is taken and sent to a lab where it is placed on a microscope slide. A single drop of 10% solution of a potassium (KOH) is then placed on the slide. The KOH dissolves the skin cells but leaves the Candida untouched. When viewed under a microscope the hyphae and pseudo spores of Candida are visible. Their presence in large numbers strongly suggest a yeast infection.
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Treatment
Candidiasis is alleged to be successfully treated either with home remedies or, in the case of a more severe infection, with either over the counter or prescription antifungal medications. Home remedies for candidiasis include the consumption or direct application of yogurt, which contains lactobacillus ("friendly" bacteria that kill yeast), acidophilus tablets or salves, and even lightly crushed cloves of garlic, which yield allicin, an antifungal. Boric acid has also been used to treat yeast infections when gelcaps are filled with boric acid powder and two are inserted at bedtime for three to four nights.
Whilst home remedies only offer relief in minor cases of infection, seeking medical attention is a necessity as the extent of the infection often cannot be judged well by the sufferer. Prescription medication is often the only solution to an infection; the antifungal drugs commonly used to treat candidiasis are topical clotrimazole, topical nystatin, fluconazole, topical ketoconazole. In severe infections (generally in hospitalized patients), amphotericin B, caspofungin, or voriconazole may be used.
If indicated, an underlying reason should be looked for. As an example, oral candidiasis is often linked to the use of inhaled steroids in asthma medication. Patients on long term inhaled steroids should rinse their mouth after each dose of steroids. It can also be the first sign of a more serious condition, such as HIV. Babies with diaper rash should have their diaper areas kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible. Sugar assists the overgrowth of yeast; thus, the increased prevalence of yeast infections in patients with diabetes mellitus, as noted above. In the case of frequent yeast infections, sugar can be looked to as a culprit and should be avoided.
Following the health tips at vulvovaginal health can help prevent vaginal candidiasis. Local treatment may include vaginal suppositories or medicated douches.
